Environment must top national agenda
Sep 20, 2009
THE department of meteorology has issued an alert that the country is likely to experience the El-Nino phenomenon for up to five months — from October 2009 to February 2010. El Nino causes abnormal weather patterns characterised by heavy rains and flood
THE department of meteorology has issued an alert that the country is likely to experience the El-Nino phenomenon for up to five months — from October 2009 to February 2010. El Nino causes abnormal weather patterns characterised by heavy rains and floods.
The areas likely to be worst affected include the Teso region, Manafwa, Bundibugyo and the stretch between Hoima and Masindi districts.
Uganda experienced the El-Nino rains in 1997 and in 2007, when many areas, especially in the eastern and northern region were hit by severe floods.
The 1997 El Nino rains had devastating effects. Many lives were lost and roads became impassable after bridges were washed away or flooded. There was massive destruction of food crops and disruption of the social life and economic activities. Thousands became homeless. The El Niño torrential rain also caused a malaria epidemic in parts of the country.
The Government has taken the right step to establish a national task force on El-Nino and to embark on emergency preparations ahead of the destructive El-Nino rains. In 1997, El-Nino understandably took the country by surprise. This time, however, the Government has had time to make preparations to handle the adverse effects of the El-Nino rains.
However, besides the emergency preparations for the El-Nino, the Government and Kampala City Council must work out an elaborate plan to deal with floods in the city. Several areas in the city — Bwaise, Kalerwe, Lubigi, Katwe, Natete, Lufuka-Zzana, Lugogo are prone to flooding.
Obviously, this is due to poor drainage. Flooding in many areas is also due to the fact that people have settled or carried out developments in wetlands.
Steps should be taken to stop encroachment on the wetlands. Above all, it is extremely important that all programmes intended to protect the environment are given top priority.
The areas likely to be worst affected include the Teso region, Manafwa, Bundibugyo and the stretch between Hoima and Masindi districts.
Uganda experienced the El-Nino rains in 1997 and in 2007, when many areas, especially in the eastern and northern region were hit by severe floods.
The 1997 El Nino rains had devastating effects. Many lives were lost and roads became impassable after bridges were washed away or flooded. There was massive destruction of food crops and disruption of the social life and economic activities. Thousands became homeless. The El Niño torrential rain also caused a malaria epidemic in parts of the country.
The Government has taken the right step to establish a national task force on El-Nino and to embark on emergency preparations ahead of the destructive El-Nino rains. In 1997, El-Nino understandably took the country by surprise. This time, however, the Government has had time to make preparations to handle the adverse effects of the El-Nino rains.
However, besides the emergency preparations for the El-Nino, the Government and Kampala City Council must work out an elaborate plan to deal with floods in the city. Several areas in the city — Bwaise, Kalerwe, Lubigi, Katwe, Natete, Lufuka-Zzana, Lugogo are prone to flooding.
Obviously, this is due to poor drainage. Flooding in many areas is also due to the fact that people have settled or carried out developments in wetlands.
Steps should be taken to stop encroachment on the wetlands. Above all, it is extremely important that all programmes intended to protect the environment are given top priority.